K-1

K-1 is a Martial Arts competition that focuses on Stand Up Striking. K-1 Fighters use techniques from Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Savate, Tae Kwon Do and any other Striking Martial Art.

K-1 rules are simular to the rules of Muay Thai and Kickboxing, but are simplified to make the matches more exciting, and encourage more Knock Outs.

The biggest difference between K-1 and Muay Thai is the Clinch. In Muay Thai a fighter can Clinch and use Knee and Elbow Strikes continuously.

But in K-1, the two handed Thai Clinch (where a fighter grabs the back of his opponents head or neck) is not allowed. But a single handed Muay Thai Clinch where a fighter Clinches his opponent with the intent of delivering a Knee Strike is allowed, but the Clincher must let go after one Strike.

And the biggest difference between K-1 rules and Kickboxing rules are the use of Knees. Knee Strikes are legal in K-1 but illegal in Kickboxing.

Seidokaikan Karate is the predecessor to K-1, and was started in 1980 by Kazuyoshi Ishii who was a practitioneer of Kyokushin Karate. Ishii formed Seidokaikan Karate and promoted several challenge matches against other Martial Arts organizations.

In 1993 Ishii founded K-1 as a Kickboxing organization in Tokyo Japan.

The K-1 World Gran Prix Champions

K-1 World MAX Champions

Some K-1 Fighters that also fought in MMA